Gaerne Carbon G.Myst Road Cycling Shoe Pro Review by Paul Thai
- Model: Gaerne G.Myst in white
- Colors available: white, white/gray, black
- Material: Synthetic upper and Carbon weaved sole. 2 Velcro and 1 mechanical micro adjust buckle straps
- Weight: approximately 735 grams
- MSRP: $399
Introduction
Imelda Marcos, once the Philippines’ first lady was well known for owning as many as 1060 pairs of shoes. In comparison, I will never own or dream to own as many pairs. Although, I must admit I have a particular fondness for footwear. Whether they are formal, casual, or cycling shoes… I’m somewhat picky about what I wear. With cycling shoes, in addition to “looking nice”, one thing is an absolute must, they have to fit perfectly. A nice fitting pair of cycling shoes equals pure enjoyment on the bike! It makes your legs, feet, pedal, and crank feel as “one”. Your feet are considered one of the most crucial contact points between you and your bicycle (equally important is the contact of your buttocks and the hands). Having a pair of shoes, saddle, or handlebars that do not conform to your body usually leads to pain and frustration. So it’s very important to get the fit right. Cycling shoes need to be functional, efficient, and comfortable. Although, ironically most times people buy shoes based on the way they look and consequently find out that the shoes do not fit them well. It’s important to try on every pair of shoes you’re considering before committing to the purchase. As you will find out, every shoe manufacturer’s sizes are just slightly different, enough that a 43 in one brand will not fit the same as a 43 in another.
Gaerne (pronounce “GAH- EYR- NAY”) is not a new kid on the block. The company has been around close to half a century, and is situated nearby the town of Treviso in Italy. The company’s “know how” comes from a background of making walking shoes. Mr. Ernesto Gazzola, founder of Gaerne, had worked in the shoe industry for several years before deciding to go out on his own (with the help of his wife) when he created Gaerne in 1962. He then ventured on to fabricate motorcycle footwear (in which, Gaerne is very well respected and has many gran prizes to their credit), and then onto cycling shoes.
The company’s “atelier” is located in the same neighborhood as some other well known cycling brands such as, SIDI and Wilier, to name a few. Being in the midst of the action helps the company gather all the information needed to make the best products that the possibly can. Although most companies products are made in Asia these days, Gaerne still makes their products in the same Italian factory by hand as they’ve always done. And if you are a fanatic of Italian footwear like I am, that’s good to hear.
A few years back Gaerne sponsored some cycling greats such as Sean Kelly, Claudio Chiappucci (got to love him…what a fierce competitor!), and Marco Pantani (who doesn’t like him?). Nowadays they have a pretty decent cyclist by the name of Cadel Evans. But realistically, none of us regular weekend warriors will ever come close to these living legends. So my take is that we should not consider them factors when considering the purchase of any shoes, but rather focus on fit, fit, and fit!
